‘Tired’ Sotto resigns as Majority Leader

Senator Vicente Sotto III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III formally announced his resignation from his post on Thursday, the last session day of the 15th Congress.

“As the curtain falls on the regular session of the 15^th Congress, and its legal life draws its last breath at end of June this year, please consider my position as Majority Leader co-terminus therewith,” Sotto said before the Senate adjourned sine die past 7 p.m. The next Congress will commence in July.

With this statement, Sotto told reporters after the session that he is now deemed resigned.

“Yes, resignation as Majority Leader although kung tutuusin   pwede pa nga, if I don’t say that and I do not do that then I will be a carryover up to the 16th Congress, until July 22. E ayoko na nga e,” he said.

“As of today, I consider myself resigned,” he pointed out.

Asked why he did not categorically say the word “resignation” in his manifestation on the floor, Sotto said, “Kawawa naman yung mga empleyado.  Sa akin naman kasi I think it’s no big deal. My resignation is no big deal. Talaga naming sa July 22, malamang palitan din naman kami so I just want it ahead.”

Sotto’s move came just a day after Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile stepped down from his post Wednesday.

Enrile and Sotto both belong to the so-called “macho” bloc in the Senate, along with Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Senator Gregorio Honasan.

Estrada was installed as acting Senate President immediately after Enrile’s resignation.

Sotto said he decided to resign instead of waiting for the position to be declared vacant when the 16th Congress opens in July, lest he be accused of holding on to his post.
“Pangit pang pakinggan yung may magde-declare positions all vacant. Para bang kapit tuko ka sa puwesto e. Hindi na,” he said in an interview with reporters before the session started at around 4 pm…

“Let the members of the Senate, specially the new Congress, and the 16^th Congress, decide who would they want to lead their congress.  I will settle for  a seat in the minority group,” he said.

Asked why he was leaving his post, Sotto said: “Maraming bagay e. Una sa lahat pagod na ko e (A lot of things. Foremost of which I’m already tired).”

“Mahirap. Napakahirap. I don’t think I can top the time, effort, blood sweat and tears that I put into the last three years.  So let’s leave at that. Sabi nga nila, quit while you’re ahead,” he said.

 Originally posted ar 07:30 pm | Thursday, June 6, 2013